


a 



liberty; 



t^t dul 



IN FIVE ACTS. 



B Y G. Edwin Brittatn, 

PITTSBURGH, PA. 



j^XiXj i^xohts K;:his:e]e.v:e]zd- 



Philadelphia: 

McOlla & Stavely, Prs.. 237-9 Dock Sr. 

1875. 



cc 



LIBERTY, 



;»^ 



^^ J 



t^t 1 



IN FIVE ACTS. 



I/' 
By G. Edwin Brittain, 



PITTSBURGH, PA. 



-AXjXj K/IO-hits S;:eses."v:e3X)- 



PltlLADELrKlA: ^-.* 

McC'ai.la & Stavely, Pus., 237-9 Dock St. 
1875. 



m 

1 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year Eighteen Hundred and Seventy-five, 

by 

G. EDWIN BRITTAIN, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



m. 



c^V. (A^, /^.^;^i ^ ^ 



^''^/7^'^^/i^^^i€^'n/d -ti/ -^^^ Q/^ul^^M. 



TO THE 

AMERICAN PEOPLE 

AND THE 

LOVERS OE LIBERTY EVERYWHERE 

THIS WORK IS AFFECTIONATELY 

DEDICATED, 



Preface. 

This attempt to condense the stupendous facts of 
American History into the narrow limits of an evening's 
entertainment will perhaps seem presumptuous to many. 
There is material enough for a score of thrilling Dramas; 
but, as there seemed to exist a need for something of 
this kind, I have endeavored to supply the want. Many 
fair and delicate scenes, many noble names and dramatic 
situations have been, of necessity, omitted. To those con- 
versant with our National History, these gaps will pre- 
sent no serious difficulty. To others, they will not be 
apparent. If this sincere effort shall result in arousing 
the American people to a better realization of true free- 
dom, and shall, in any degree, stimulate the latent princi- 
ples of honor and integrity, it will have accomplished its 

purpose. 

The Author. 



Dramatis Persons. 



The Genius of Liberi^y. 

Miles Standish . . a Pilgrim. 



Roger Williams . 
Henry Vane 
Hugh Pei^er 
Capt. John Smith 
Powhatan 
Pocahontas 
Wm. Penn 
George Washington 
Wm. Bradford . . 
Patrick Henry . . 
Dr. Jeffries 



a Reformer, 
a Politician. 
■ a Preacher, 
a Scout. 
an Indian Chief. 
Daughter to Powhatan, 
a Quaker. 

a Soldier, afterwards President, 
an Editor, 
a Patriot, 
a Friend to General Warren. 



Marquis De Lafayette a French ally of the Americans. 



Gen. Jackson 

Sambo 

Abr.\ham Lincoln 

Pete 

T. M. Marshall . 

U. S. Grant . 



a Hero. 
. a Negro Slave. 

President of the United States. 
. a Negro Refugee. 

a Lawyer. 
. a Soldier, afterwards President. 
Pilgrims, Citizens, Indians, Negroes, Soldiers, News- 
boys, Adventurers, Etc^ Etc.^ Etc. 



Liberty. 



ACT I. 

Scene I. — The Sea Coast. — Plymouth Rock. — Ea^iy Morn- 
ings Dec, 20, 1620. — The Genitts of LibeHy standing 
alone, looking for a sail, and speaking the Soliloquy. 

Genius of Liberty. All night the silver moon has 
ruled the sky, 
With none to share her reign ; except anon, 
A wandering meteor, which flashed along a shining path, 
And fell into the sea. 

Since dawn I've watched the stars grow pale, 
And seen the shadows melt away, and all 
The vapors of the night roll back and fade 
Before the splendors of the advancing sun. 
As, like a god, he rose from out the sullen sea. 
For hours I've scanned the brightening horizon, 
And yet no sail appears. 

O ! gentle goddess Patience, lend me thine art awhile ; 
And thou, fair sister Hope, once more my fears beguile. 
Come, all ye Heavenly powers, sustain and comfort me ; 
Banished by tyrants, from the populous centres of the 

globe. 
Baffled, proscribed, and alone, I've reached, at length, 
A refuge where the pure air of Heaven is not surcharged 
With oppression and intolerance. 
Here the free and liberal ocean whispers 
Its sweetest strains of love and liberty — 



8 

Here its loudest thunders of elemental strife reverberate. 

Until, at times, methinks its mighty voice 

Must reach all despots in this sphere. 

With ominous prophecy of their fate. 

Here will I enshrine my hopes ; 

And upon this corner-stone build up an empire. 

What rapture thrills me as I gaze upon 

This broad and fair domain, 

Unpeopled yet except by savages — 

Even these are mine. O ! wild untutored multitude, 

I love ye well. So long estranged from culture, 

Grown harsh and rugged, your hearts have ever kept 

The secret that I gave your fathers, and still, 

Upon your altars, burn the sacred fires of liberty. 

Soon shall ye pass away ; 

Long have ye kept this home for me, 

And now, there soon will come the rightful heirs ; 

The freemen of the world, even now, 

Are seeking their inheritance ; 

Thy race shall fail, and leave only 

A wild strange name in history; 

Yet, for the past, I love ye all. 

Farewell ! farewell ! \Titrning tozvards the sea. 

And thou, proud ocean, upon whose wild and stormy 

charity 
I did commit my children, 
Waft hither their frail barque, 
And with thy billows roll them into haven ; 
To me thou art ever gracious — 
I seem almost a child of thine ; 
Full well I know thy whimsies and caprices ; 
The fury of thy waves, serves but to hide 
Thy beauties from the superficial eye. 



And to stir the love of liberty 

Within the human heart ; 

Far down into thy charmed caverns 

Often hast thou guided me, 

And, with a tender voice, explained 

The mysteries of thy serene and noble freedom. 

\Turning towards the land. 
But hark ! What sounds are these ? 
I hear the din of cities, the hum and music 
Of machinery, the voices of a multitude — 
'^ Oh, my prophetic soul ! " 
It is the voice, the din. 
The music of the coming millions. 

[Turns to ocean, gazing for a sail, 
Methinks, upon the sky there floats a speck — 
A cloud perhaps. Perhaps a sail. \Pa2ising, 

It is — it is a sail, all hail, 
The Mayflower. They come ! they come ! 
My children come ! \Exeitnt left, — Music. 

Enter {left}} The Pilgrims, — All kneel upon the ground^ and 
Miles Standish offers a prayer, 
Standish. Almighty Father, we desire 
To prostrate our hearts in thankfulness to Thee 
For our safe deliverance from the perils of the sea ; 
And for our entrance into this promised land. 
Here, upon the verge of this vast, unknown continent, 
Surrounded by new trials, and unseen dangers, 
We resign ourselves into Thy keeping — 
Here grant unto us the blessings of liberty and peace 
And to our children forever. Amen. \_Allrise, 

Reads,~\ " In the name of God. Amen. We whose 
names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread 



lO 

Sovereign, King James, having undertaken for the glor>' 
of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and 
honor of our King and Country, a voyage, to plant the 
first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do, by 
these presents, solemnly and mutually in the presence 
of God, and of one another, covenant and combine our- 
selves together into a civil body politic, for our better 
ordering and preservation ; and, furthermore of the end 
aforesaid, and by virtue hereof, to enact, constitute, and 
frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, consti- 
tutions, and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought 
most convenient for the general good of the colony. 
Unto which we promise all due submission and obe- 
dience," [A/l Sign, — End of Scene. 

{^Several years elapse^ 

Scene IL — A plain near Salem. View of town in back- 
ground. 
Enter {right) Roger Wllliams, with Staff and bundle, 
looking off (centre), 
Roger Williams. Let me look upon the village once 

again. 
Here I have indulged delusive hopes, 
And striven to shield my countrymen 
From the dangers of superstition and bigotry. 
How soon they have forgotten the bitter lessons 
Of their own experience, with all the persecutions they 

endured 
For conscience' sake; and now the}'' banish me, 
For claiming that liberty of thought which they 
Themselves have suffered for \ 



II 

Alas ! how inconsistent is human nature ! 
Farewell, farewell. Into the pathless woods I go, 
Toward the setting sun ; sustained alone by humble 
Faith in Providence. [^Exit left. 

Enter [right) Henry Vane, the Governor of the Colony^ 
and Hugh Peter, a preacher. 

Vane. I think the council acted unwisely in the ban- 
ishment of Roger Williams. 

Peter. To me the sentence seemed most fair, his tenets 
were seditious and heretical. 

Va7ie, I cannot agree with you. His heresy consisted 
alone in asserting the right to intellectual independence, 
in claiming that '' the civil magistrate should restrain 
crime, but never control opinion ; should punish guilt, 
but never violate the freedom of the soul." 

Peter, These are noble sentiments, grand and beautiful 
in themselves, and yet dangerous, because they lead to 
discontent and sedition in the masses, who seldom care to 
look deeper than the surface. 

Vane, Perhaps you are right. But they must be taught 
to look deeper, and it illy becomes us, a people who have 
fled from oppression and persecution, to practice harsh- 
ness to any one for his opinions. 

Peter, It is too fertile a subject for present discussion. 
There seems to be some unwonted commotion at the vil- 
lage. I fear the Indians have attacked the town. Let 
us return. We may be needed. [^Exeunt right. 

Scene III. — The Forest 7tear the Chicahoniiny, 

Enter Capt. John Smith and two Conipa7iions {left). 
Smith. Our comrades have deserted the boat, and I 
fear they have been slain. We must go cautiously— 



12 

hist. l^Each one, darts behind a tj^ee a7id soon the Indians 
appear; a desperate fight ensues ; Smith's companions are 
scalped^ and he is taken off a captive^ 

Scene IV. — -The Court of Powhatan. Vo^vuxta.^ seated 
upoji a platform.^ his two favorite daughters beside him^ sur- 
rounded by sachems and zvairiors. 
Powhatan, Bring in the pale-face. 

Enter Capt. Smith betzveen two warriors. 
Powhatan. John Smith, your Hfe has been spared up 
to this time, on account of your strange and remarkable 
name. It was my intention to adopt you into my family 
and exhibit you as a curiosity in nomenclature. But 
my spies have discovered another person in Jamestown 
with precisely the same name. It is an unchangeable 
law with us not to allow two persons of the same name 
to exist at one time. It prevents confusion, you know, 
Captain. Therefore, prepare to meet the Great Spirit, 
You must die — I have said. 

[Smith is then bound and placed upo7t the ground with 
his head resting upon a large stone; a warrior stands 
near with a huge club awaiting tlie command of 
Powhatan^ 
Powhatan. Strike ! 

\jrhe club is swinging in the air^ when Pocahontas the 

beautiful daughter of Powhatan rushes forward and 

throwing hei'self upon the prostrate form of Smithy 

averts the blow^ 

Pocahontas, Oh, spare him, father ! Save him for thy 

daughter's sake. 

Powhatan. For thy sake, my tender-hearted flower, I 
would do all that man can do. Unbind the pale- 
face. Let him live, and give him kind attention for my 



13 

daughter's sake. Two warriors seek the other Smith 
and bring his scalp to me. Come hither, sweetest child, 
let me embrace thee. 

[End of Scene, 

Scene V. — The Forest Site of Philadelphia, 

E?iter [right) Wm. Penn and several Colonists with map 

and 'treaty, 

Penn, Here we will pitch our tents to-morrow. This 
spot is not surpassed for beauty by one among the many 
places I have seen in all the world. Here let us found 
a city, and for a token of brotherly love we'll name it 
Philadelphia. As for the Indians, let us teach these 
poor dark souls about us their rights as men, and sub- 
due their w^ild, untamed nature by noble conduct and 
good example. We will return to-morrow and make a 
permanent settlement. \_Exeunt right. 

Enter {left) Several Indians. 

Chief, Me hear speech of Quaker King. He great, 
good man, call red man his brother, and say we all have 
same " Great Father." Red man live in peace and love 
with Wm. Penn and his children as long as sun and 
moon endure. Bury hatchet and smoke peace pipe for- 
ever. [Exeunt fight. 

Scene VI. — Braddock's Fields Time — Midnight. Burial of 
General Edzvard Braddock ; Col. Geo. Washing tori read- 
ing the Episcopal funeral service by torchlight. 

END OF ACT I. 



H 



ACT II. 

Scene I. — Philadelpliitu Tmie — evenings Oct. 31, 1 765, 
Residence of Wm. Bradford. The family sitting in 
front, 

Bradford^ [Reading newspaper^ Grand procession and 
mass-meeting of Philadelphian's to-night to protest 
against the odious Stamp-Act; come one, come all. 
[Gets up^ Get my hat and cane, wife ; I must be there ! 

The Family. — Let us all go. [Muffled bell tolls. 

Bradford.— lJ\stQ.n^ there's the bell ; the procession has 
started. [Picks up the paper.~\ Let's see the route. Good, 
they pass this way. We will remain and see it. 

[A procession passes , headed by a band playing the 
dead march ^ beanng banners with inscriptions as 



follows . 



* The Times ^ 

H5 ARE ^ 

:^ Dreadful, Doleful, Dismal, ^ 

„ Dolorous, and Dollarless. . 

■?%• ^ 



^ The Stamp Act, ^ 

^ The Folly of England ^ 
. The Ruin of America. 



* No more British Goods. ^ 

* Homespun '-i^ 
Hi For Americans. ♦ 

* ^5- 44- 4^ 4f 4^ 'Jf 4^ ^- 4J- 44- 4^ * 



4f 4f 4f 

An Emblem of the 
Effects of the 



* Stamp 



45' * 4€' 4f 4f * 




Act. 



Oh, the Fatal Stamp! 



4f4e-4f45'4^4(-'^4C-4«->5i 
•;^4^4f^^4&4^4«-4fHi 

N. B. — Eat no more ^ 

Mutton ^ 

Save Sheep for wool. :^ 

4(-4f4f4^4^4f4f>Ji*4^ 
•774r7v45'4r4f45'7f^Hi 

Liberty of the Press ^ 
Farewell. ♦ 



15 

Scene II. — A street in Boston. Evening. Tzvo citizens 
ejiter, {right,) 

1st Citizen. You know the place of meeting? 

2d Citizen. Yes ; but not the hour. 

\st Citize7t. Come at nine o'clock. At midnight we 
will brew a larger cup of tea than proud King Gcorge 
e'er dreamed of. \Exity right, 2d Citizen, Exit, left^ 

Scene III. — Boston Harbor, Night. Fifty Citizens dis- 
guised as Mohawk Indians throwing the cargoes of the 
tea-ships into the sea. 

Scene IV. — The Virginia Legislature. Speech of Pat- 
rick Henry. 

Patfick Henry. *' Mr. President : It is natural for man 
to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut 
our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song 
of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this 
the part of wise men engaged in a great and arduous 
struggle for liberty ? Are we disposed to be of the num- 
ber of those who, having eyes, see not, and having ears, 
hear not the things which so nearly concern their tem- 
poral salvation ? For my part, whatever anguish of 
spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth ; 
to know the worst and to provide for it. 

'' I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, 
and that, is the lamp of experience. I know of no way 
of judging of the future, but by the past; and, judging 
by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the 
conduct of the British Ministry for the last ten years, to 
justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been 



i6 

pleased to solace themselves and the house. Is it that 
insidious smile with which our petition has been lately 
received ? Trust it not, sir, it will prove a snare to your 
feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. 
Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our peti- 
tion comports with those warlike preparations which 
cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and 
armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation ? 
Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled, 
that force must be called in to win back our love ? Let 
us not deceive ourselves, sir ! These are the implements 
of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which 
kings resort. 

" I ask, gentlemen, what means this martial array, if its 
purpose be not to force us into submission ? Can gentle- 
men assign any other possible motive for it ? Has Great 
Britain any enemy in this quarter of the world, to call 
for all this accumulation of navies and armies ? No, sir ! 
She has none ; they are meant for us ; they can be meant 
for no other ; they are sent over to bind and rivet upon 
us those chains, which the British Ministry have been so 
long forging. And what have we to oppose them ? Shall 
we try argument?. Sir, we have been trying argument 
for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer 
upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject 
up in every light in which it was capable, but it has been 
all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble sup- 
plication ? What terms shall we find, which have not 
been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, de- 
ceive ourselves longer. Sir, we have done everything 
that could be done to avert the storm which is now 
coming on. We have petitioned ; we have remonstrated; 



17 

we have supplicated ; we have prostrated ourselves at 
the foot of the throne, and implored its interposition to 
arrest the tyrannical hands of the Ministry and Parlia- 
ment. Our petitions have been slighted ; our remon- 
strances have produced additional violence and insult ; 
our supplications have been disregarded, and we have 
been spurned with contempt from the foot of the throne. 

** In vain, after these things may we indulge the fond 
hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer 
any room for hope. If we wish to be free ; if we mean 
to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for 
which we have been so long contending ; if we mean 
not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we 
have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged 
ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of 
our contest shall be obtained; we must fight! I repeat 
it, sir ; we must fight ! An appeal to arms and the God 
of Hosts is all that is left us. They tell us, sir, that we 
are weak ; unable to cope with so formidable an adver- 
sary. But when shall we be stronger ; will it be the next 
week or the next year ? Will it be when we are totally 
disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in 
every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution 
and inaction ? Shall we acquire the means of effectual 
resistance by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging 
the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall 
have bound us hand and foot ? Sir, we are not weak, if 
we make a proper use of those means which the God of 
nature hath placed in our power. 

** Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of 
liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, 
are invincible by any force which our enemy can send 



against us. Besides, we shall not fight our battles 
alone. There is a just God, who presides over the des- 
tinies of nations ; and who will raise up friends to fight 
our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong 
alone ; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, 
we have no election. If we were base enough to desire 
it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is 
no retreat but in submission and slavery. Our chains 
are forged. Their clanking may be heard on the plains 
of Boston. The war is mevitable and let it come ! I re- 
peat it, LET IT COME ! 

*' It is in vain to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may 
cry peace ^ peace, but there is no peace. The war is actu- 
ally begun. The next gale that sweeps from the north, 
will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms. Our 
brethren are already in the field. Why stand we here 
idle ? What is it that gentlemen wish ? What would 
they have ? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be 
purchased at the price of chains and slavery ? Forbid it. 
Almighty God! I know not what course others may 
take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death ! " 

Scene V. — Bunker Hill Battle-field. — The morning after 
the battle, yune i8, 1775. — Discovery of Gefi. Warren's 
body, by Dr. Jeffries. 

Jeffries \standhig over the body^ Here fell the noble 
Warren, another martyr to the holy cause of freedom. 
Here, in this soil, made richer by his blood, he, for a time 
shall sleep. Let thy clods rest lightly, O Mother Earth, 
and strew, O gentle Nature, thy choicest flowers above 
his narrow bed. 

\_Attendants commence to dig the grave, Jeffries stoops 
over the body, and curtain falls7\ 

end of act II. 



ACT III. 

Scene I. — Philadelphia^ yidy ^, ^77^- — ^^^^^ State House. 
— The "^itan in the steeple, — Boy outside watching for a 
messenger. — Old man mutters^ *' They will never do it, 
they will never do it/' — Messenger arrives annoiuicing 
that Congress has declared the United States of America 
a free and ifidependent 7iation. — Boy shouts^ ''Ring, ring, 
ring !" {Bell rings long and loud) — Music heard in the 
distance, coming 7tearer — The multitude in the streets 
are singing'' America." — Cheers for Signers of Decla- 
ration, Washington, and others. — Music by the band. 
(" Yankee Doodle.") 

America. 

My country, 'tis of thee. 
Sweet land of liberty. 

Of thee I sing, 
Land where my fathers died. 
Land of the pilgrims ' pride. 
From eveiy mountain side. 

Let freedom ring. 

My native country, thee — 
Land of the noble free. 

Thy name I love. 
I love thy rocks and rills. 
Thy woods and templed hills. 
My heart with rapture thrills. 

Like that above. 

Our fathers' God,, to thee. 
Author of Liberty, 

To thee we sing. 
Long may our land be bright. 
With freedom's holy light. 
Protect us by thy might. 

Great God our kinor. 



20 

Scene II. — Tableau, — Washington crossing the Delaware^ 

Scene III. — Yorktown. — The Surrender of Cornwallis to 
Washington. — American and French armies drawn up 
in line, with space between for the British to pass. — 
British deliver their standards and lay down their arms. 
— Rejoicing in American camp, — A serenade to Wash- 
ington and Lafayette, 

Scene IV. — Washington's triumphal march as first 
Presiderit of the American Republic, passing through 
the arch at Treriton. — The young girls strew his path 
withfiozvers^ singing : 

"Welcome, mighty chief once more, 
Welcome to this grateful shore, 
Now no mercenary foe 
Aims again the fatal blow, 
Aims, at thee , the fatal blow. 

Virgins fair and matrons grave, 
These thy conquering arm did save, 
Build for thee triumphal bowers, 
Strew, ye fair, his way with flowers, 
Strew your hero's way with flowers." 

Tableau. — Washington resigning his comrnission. 

Scene V. — The home of Washington, at Mount Vernon. — 
The Library. — Busts of Washington, La Fayette, and 
others, — Portjmts of the family. — Glass case containing 
large iron Key. — Near the door, picture of Bastile. 

Enter {right) ^ Genius of Liberty, dressed in ptire white; 
walks slowly and reverently into the room; scans the 
busts and pictw^es ; stops before the portrait of Washing- 
ton^ after gazing long and tenderly, she speaks : 



21 

Liberty. The noble form lies yonder, cold and silent. 
The brave and gentle heart is motionless. 
The kindly beaming eye is closed forever. 
The heroic spirit has passed into the unknown realms 

of God. 
Washington is dead ! \Bows her head and weeps. 

Weep gentle nature. Nor blush to pay this tribute to 

such generous grief 
A holy sadness is akin to joy. And peace 
Oft drinks its sweetest draught in tears ; 
Thus, let me steep my heart in tenderness, 
And feed my soul with human virtue. 

\_Gazing at pictures. 
All these mementoes shall be held as sacred. 
When the years bring forth this nation's greatness, 
And each word so truly spoken, 
Shall be cherished as a token 
Through the ages. 

\_Moving over towards vase containing key. Read- 
ing inscription. " Key of the Bastile.'' 
How strange a toy. What dark and terrible history 

lies wrapt in this metallic fragment ? \_ReacJiing to top 
of vase — Ah ! here are letters. Reading : 

" Give me leave, my dear general, to present you with 
a picture of the Bastile, just as it appeared a few days 
after I had ordered its demolition {looks at picture). I 
send you also the main key of this fortress of despotism. 
It is a tribute which I owe as a son to my adopted father; 
as an aid-de-camp to my general ; as a missionary of lib- 
erty to its patriarch." 

Yours, affectionately, Lafayette. 

Paris, March 17, 1789. 



22 

Reading: 

" London, May i, 1789. 

General George Washington : 

Our very good friend, the Marquis De Lafayette, has 
intrusted to my care the key of the Bastile, and a draw- 
ing, handsomely framed, representing the demohtion of 
that destestable prison, as a present to your excellency, 
of which his letter will more particularlj^ inform you. 
When he mentioned to me the present he intended you, 
my heart leaped for joy. It is something so truly in 
character, that no remarks can illustrate it, and it is more 
happily expressive of his remembrance of his American 
friends than any letters can convey. That the principles 
of America opened the Bastile is not to be doubted, and, 
therefore, the key comes to the right place. 

Yours, sincerely, Thomas Paine." 

[^The sound of low chanting is heard^ and Liberty ex- 
claims: " The funeral !" and leaves the stage hastily. 

Scene VL — Washington's funeral. — At the grave, — Cler- 
gyman. — " Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. 
— First in peace, first in war, first in the hearts of his 
countrymen." — Dirge. — Song. 

Quartette. — The Grave of Washington. 

This song is published by permission of Oliver Ditson &^ Co.^ Boston, Alass. 

Disturb not his slumbers, let Washington sleep, 

'Neath the boughs of the willow that over him weep; 

His arm is unnerv'd, but his deeds remain bright, 

As the stars in the dark vaulted heaven at night. 

Oh ! wake not the hero, his battles are o'er. 

Let him rest undisturb'd on Potomac's fair shore ; 

On the river's green border so flowery drest, 

With the hearts he lov'd fondly, let Washington rest — 

With the hearts he lov'd fondly, let Washington rest. 



Awake not his slumbers, tread lightly around, 

'Tis the grave of a freeman ; 'tis Liberty's mound ; 

Thy name is immortal, our freedom ye won, 

Brave sire of Columbia, our own Washington. 

Oh! wake not the hero, his battles are o'er. 

Let him rest, calmly rest, on his dear native shore ; 

While the stars and the stripes of our Country shall wave, 

O'er the land that can boast of a Washington's grave— 

O'er the land that can boast of a Washington's grave. 

Tableau — Franklin's Grave, 

END OF ACT III. 



War of 1812. 
ACT IV. 

Scene I. — Naval Combat between American Frigate Con- 
stitution, and British Frigate Guerriere, Song, ■' 
Star Spangled Banner. / 

O ! say can you see by the dawn's early light, ' 

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming, 
W^hose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, t 

O'er the ramparts we watch'd were so gallantly streaming, J 

And the rocket's red glare, and the bombs bursting in air, 
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there ? 

Oh, say, does the star-bangled banner yet wave, 

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave ? 



On the shore dimly seen through the mist of the deep, 
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes. 

What is that which the breeze o'er the towering steep, 
As it fitfully blow^s, half conceals, half discloses ? 

Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, 

In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream ; 
'Tis the star spangled banner, O ! long^jnay it wave, 
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. 

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore. 
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion, 

A home and a country should leave us no more ? 

Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution. 



i 



24 

No refuge could save the hireling and slave 

From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave, 
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave. 
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. 

Oh, thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand. 

Between their loved home, and the war's desolation, 

Blessed with victory and peace, may the Heaven-rescued land 
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. 

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just. 

Arid this be our motto, — " In God is our trust !" 

And the star spangled banner in triumph shall wave. 
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. 

Scene IL — Gen, Jackson's Victory at Nezv Orleans, 
Music— i^' Hail Columbia.") 

Tableau, 

Scene III. — A Southern Plantation — The Slaves' Jubi- 
lee^ Da7icing^ Banjo Songs, 

Old Folks at Home. 

These words are published by permission of Oliver Ditso7t 6^ Co.^ 
Boston, Mass. 
Way down upon de Swanee ribber, 

Far, far away, 
Dere's wha my heart is turning ebber, , 

Dere'swha de old folks stay! 
All up and down de whole creation, 

Sadly I roam. 
Still longing for de old plantation, 

And- for de old folks at home. 

Chorus. — All de world am sad and dreary, 
Ebry where I roam, 
Oh ! darkeys how ray heart grows weary, 
Far from de old folks at home. 

All round de little farm I wander' d 

When I was young, 
Den many happy days I squander' d. 

Many de songs I sung. 



25 

When I was playing wid my brudder, 

Happy was I, 
Oh ! take me to my kind old mudder, 

Dere let me live and die. — Cho, 

One little hut among de bushes, 

One dat I love, 
Still sadly to my meni'ry rushes. 

No matter where I rove. 
When will I see de bees a humming, 

All round de comb ? 
When will I hear de banjo tumming, 

Down in my good old home ? — Cho, 



Go Down, Moses. 

Frovi ^^ Jubilee Songs ^^ by permission of Biglow dr* Main, Neiv York. 

When Israel was in Egypt's land, 

Let my people go ; 
Oppressed so hard they could not stand, 

Let my people go. 

Chorus. — Go down, Moses, 

Way down in Egypt Land, 
Tell ole Pharaoh, 
Let my people go. 

No more shall they in bondage toil, 

Let my people go ; 
Let them come out with Egypt's spoil. 

Let my people go. — Cho. 

When Israel out of Egypt came. 

Let my people go ; 
And left the proud oppressive land, 

Let my people go. — Cho. 

Oh, 'twas a dark and dismal night, 

Let my people go ; 
When Moses led the Israelites, 

Let my people go. — Cho. 



26 

The Lord told Moses what to do, 

Let my people go ; 
To lead the children of Israel through, 

Let my people go. — Cho. 

O come along, Moses, you'll not get lost. 

Let my people go ; 
Stretch out your rod and come across. 

Let my people go. — Cho. 

When they reached the other shore. 

Let my people go ; 
Then sang a song of triumph o'er. 

Let my people'^'go.— Cho. 

Pharaoh said he would go across. 

Let my people go ; 
But Pharaoh and his host were lost. 

Let my people go. — Cho. 

You'll not get lost in the wilderness. 

Let my people go ; 
With a lighted candle in your breast. 

Let my j>eople go. — Cho. 

Your foes shall not before you stand, 
Let my people go ; • 

And you'll possess fair Canaan ^s land. 
Let my people go. — -Cho. 

Oh, let us all from bondage flee. 

Let my people go ; 
And let us all in Christ be free. 

Let my people go. — Cho. 

We need not always w^eep and moan. 

Let my people go ; 
And wear these slavery chains forlorn, 

Let my people go. — Cho. 

This world's a wilderness of woe. 

Let my people go ; 
Oh, let us on to Canaan go, 

Let my people go. — Cho. 



2^ 

What a beautiful morning that will be, 

Let my people go ; 
When time breaks up in eternity, 

Let my people go. — Cho. 

\While the negroes are thus enjoying themselves , unconscious 
of carCy the Genius of Liberty enters {right), and tin- 
seen by thein,^ passes slowly across the stage, dressed i?i 
black, with bowed head, sad and speechless, a huge chain 
twined about her body, alinost bearing her to the earth, as 
she passes out {left), the barki^ig of dogs is heard in the 
distaftt forest. The slaves hear this. The music ceases 
instantly ; confusio7t reigns. They disperse hastily, crying 
^^The bloodhounds, the bloodhounds."] 

Scene. IV. — -The Forest. — A fugitive slave einerges front the 
underbrush bleeding and exhausted, and falls at the base 
of a tree. 

Slave. — Guess I'se done gone now shuah. 

\The Genius of Liberty enters {left) and throwing off 
her chains, approaches the slave, and with great te7i- 
derness, binds up his zvounds, and gives him water 
to drink^ 

Liberty [kneeling). O poor wretch, how all thy wounds 
cry out for vengeance. How long, O God, shall this 
foul blot of slavery darken the faith of the world ? Shall 
hope forever reap despair ? Shall freedom end in slavery ? 
Oh, human inhumanity ! Oh, mercenary mammon ! Oh, 
sinister sensuality! Methinks I could weep out mine eyes 
in tears of blood to save my children from this degrada- 
tion. Shall these dark clouds forever hang around this 
land of hope and freedom ? [Risi?tg.) Nay they shall not. 
These wrongs shall be avenged. The day is coming on 



28 

apace when this dark stain shall all be washed away, 
even with an ocean of heroic blood. 

\Slave groans and dies. 
Alas, poor slave, that day shall come too late for 
thee, for thou art dead. But thy soul is free, and now 
thou art tasting the first sweetness of true liberty. 

ARGONAUTS OF 1 849. 

Scene V. — The Dying Californian. A tent on the ^noun- 
tain. An Invalid on a couch, attended by his brother. 
Song — Tableau. 

Listen to ine, brother, listen, 

I have something I would say, 
Ere the vail my vision darken 

And I pass from earth away. 

Tell my Mother, (God assist her. 

Now that she is growing old) 
That her son would fain have kissed her 

When his lips grew pale and cold. 

Listen, brother, catch each whisper 

*Tis my wife I'd speak of now, 
Tell, oh, tell her, how I missed her 

When the fever burned my brow. 

Tell her she must kiss my children 

Like the kiss I last imprest, 
Hold them as when last I held them 

Closely folded to my breast. 

Tell them I ne'er reached the haven 

Where I sought the precious dust. 
But I've gained a port called Heaven, 

Where the gold will never rust. 

Hark ! I hear my Saviour speaking, 

'Tis, I know His voice so well ; 
When I'm gone, oh ! don't be weeping, 

Brother, here's my last farewell. 
END OF ACT IV. 



1 



29 

ACT V. 

Scene I. — The Inauguration of President Lincoln — In- 
augural address^ Washington City, March 4.^ 1861. — A 
platform on the Eastern portico of the Capitol, A7i im- 
mense assembly consisting of Senators, Representatives, 
Foreign Consuls, Soldiers, and Citizens, 

President Lincoln. Fellow-Citizens of the United States : 
In compliance with a custom as old as the Government it- 
self, I appear before you to address you briefly ; and to take, 
in your presence, the oath prescribed by the Constitution 
of the United States, to be taken by the President before 
he enters on the execution of his office. I do not consider 
it necessary, at present, for me to discuss these matters 
of administration, about which there is no special anxie- 
ty or excitement. Apprehension seems to exist among 
the people of the Southern States, that, by the accession 
of a Republican Administration, their property and their 
peace and personal security are to be endangered. There 
has never been any reasonable cause for such apprehen- 
sion. Indeed the most ample evidence to the contrary, 
has all the while existed, and been open to their inspec- 
tion. It is found in nearly all the published speeches o 
him who now addresses you. 

I take the official oath to-day with no mental reserva- 
tion, and with no purpose to construe the Constitution 
or laws by any hypocritical rules. It is seventy- 
two years since the first inauguration of a President 
under our National Constitution. During that period, 
fifteen different and very distinguished citizens, have in 
succession administered the executive branch of the 
Government. They have conducted it through many 
perils, and generally with great success — yet, with all 



30 

this scope for precedent, I now enter upon the same 
task, for the brief constitutional term of four years, under 
great and peculiar difficulties. 

A disruption of the Federal Union, heretofore only- 
menaced, is now formidably attempted. I hold that in 
the contemplation of universal law, and of the constitu- 
tion, the Union of these States is perpetual. Perpetuity 
is implied, if not expressed in the fundamental law of all 
national governments. Continue to execute all the 
express provisions of our National Constitution and the 
Union will endure forever, it being impossible to destroy 
it except by some action not provided for in the instru- 
ment itself The Union is much older than the Consti- 
tution. It was formed in fact by the Articles of Associ- 
ation in 1774; it was matured and continued in the 
Declaration of Independence in 1776; it was further ma- 
tured, and the faith of all the then Thirteen States ex- 
pressly plighted, and engaged that it should be perpetual 
by the Articles of Confederation in 1778; and finally, in 
1787, one of the declared objects for ordaining and 
establishing the Constitution, was to form a more perfect 
Union. But if the destruction of the Union by one or 
by a part only of the States be lawfully possible, the 
Union is less than before, the Constitution having lost 
the vital element of perpetuity. It follows from these 
views that no State upon its own mere motion can law- 
fully get out of the Union; that resolves and ordinances 
to that effect are legally void, and that acts of violence 
within any State or States, against the authority of the 
United States, are insurrectionary or revolutionary ac- 
cording to circumstances. I therefore consider, that in 
view of the Constitution and the laws, the Union is un- 



31 

broken, and to the extent of my ability, I shall take 
care, as the Constitution itself expressly enjoins upon 
me, that the laws of the Union shall be faithfully ex- 
ecuted in all the States. \Cheers, 
I trust this will not be regarded as a menace, but 
only as the declared purpose of the Union, that it will 
constitutionally defend and maintain itself 

The power confided to me, will be used to hold, occupy, 
and possess the property and places belonging to the 
Government, and collect the duties and imposts, but be- 
yond what may be necessary for these objects, there will 
be no invasion, no using of force against or among the 
people anywhere. That there are persons, in one 
section and another who seek to destroy the Union 
at all events, and are glad of any pretext to do it, I will 
neither affirm nor deny ; but if there be such, I need ad- 
dress no word to them. To those, however, who really 
love the Union, may I not speak ? Before entering upon 
so grave a matter as the destruction of our national 
fabric, with all its benefits, its memories, its hopes, would 
it not be well to ascertain why we do it? Will you 
hazard so desperate a step, while any portion of the ills 
you fly from have no real existence ? 

Such of you as are now dissatisfied still have the Old 
Constitution unimpaired, and on the sensitive points, the 
laws of your own framing under it, while the new 
administration will have no immediate power, if it would, 
to change either. In your hands, my dissatisfied 
fellow-countrymen, and not in mine, is the mo- 
mentous issue of civil war. The Government will not 
assail you — you can have no conflict without being your- 
selves aggressors. You can have no oath registered in 



32 

Heaven to destroy the Government, while I have the 
most solemn one to preserve, protect, and defend it. I 
am loth to close. We are not enemies, but friends ; we 
must not be enemies, though passion may have strained, 
it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic 
chords of memory stretching from every battle-field and 
patriot grave, to every living heart and hearth-stone all 
over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the 
Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by 
the better angels of our nature. 

\Cheers^ groans^ and confusion. 

Scene II. — A street in Chicago, — A procession of new 
recruits pass across the stage, carrying banners, as fol- 
lows : " The war begun." '' Fort Sumpter must be 
avenged." Unionists, Rally !" " The President calls for 
75,000 men." Song, " The Battle Cry of Freedom." 

Battle Cry of Freedom, 

RALLYING SONG. 

The privilege of using the words of this song was PURCHASED from S. 
Bi^ainarcP & Sons, Cleveland^ Ohio, 

Yes, we'll rally round the flag, boys, we'll rally once again, 

Shouting the battle cry of freedom. 
We will rally from the hill-side, we'll gather from the plain, 

Shouting the battle cry of freedom. 

Chorus. — The Union forever, hurrah, boys, hurrah ! 
Down with the traitor, up with the star; 
While we rally around the flag, boys, rally once again, 
Shouting the battle cry of freedom. 

We are springing to the call of our brothers gone before, 

Shouting the battle cry of freedom, 
And we'll fill the vacant ranks with a million freemen more, . 1 

Shouting the battle cry of freedom. — Cho. ^ 



I 



33 

We will welcome to our numbers the loyal, true, and brave. 

Shouting the battle cry of freedom, 
And altho' they may be poor, not a man shall be a slave; 

Shouting the battle cry of freedom. — Cho. 

So we're springing to the call, from the East and from the West, 

Shouting the battle cry of freedom. 
And we'll hurl the rebel crew, from the land we love the best, 

Shouting the battle cry of freedom. — Cho. 

Scene III. — Troops marching down Broadway^ N. V. — 
Newsboys crying the daily papers, — '^All about the bat- 
tle of Bull Run, and call for more troops." 

Song. 

Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean. 

Published by perfnission of Lee &^ Walker, Philadelphia, Pa, 

O Columbia, the gem of the ocean, 

The home of the brave and the free ; 
The shrine of each patriot's devotion, 

A world offers homage to thee ; 
Thy mandates make heroes assemble, 

When Liberty's form stands in view ; 
Thy banners make tyranny tremble, 

W^hen borne by the red, white, and blue. 

Chorus. — When borne by the red, white, and blue. 
When borne by the red, white, and blue, 
Thy banners make tyranny tremble. 
When borne by the red, white, and blue. 

When war winged its wide desolation. 

And threatened the land to deform. 
The ark then of freedom's foundation, 

Columbia, rode safe through the storrn; 
With her garlands of vict'ry around her, 

When so proudly she bore her brave crew. 
With her flag proudly floating before her. 

The boast of the red, white, and blue. — Cho. 



34 

The wine-cup, the wine-cup bring hither, 

And fill you it true to the brim, 
May the wreaths they have won never wither, 

Nor the star of their glory grow dim ; 
May the service united ne'er sever, 

But they to their colors prove true. 
The army and navy forever, 

Three cheers for the red, white, and blue. — Cho. 

Recitation. — Sheridan's Ride. 



Scene IV. — March of Sherman^ s Bummers, 

Song, 

Marching Through Georgia. 

lennission purchased of S. Brainard's Sons, Clevelaftd, 

Bring the good old bugle, boys ! we'll sing another song^ 
Sing it with a spirit that will start the world along. 
Sing it as we used to sing it, fifty thousand strong, 
While we were marching through Georgia. 

Chorus — " Hurrah ! hurr ih ! we bring the Jubilee ! 

Hurrah ! ,hurrah ! the flag that makes you free !" 
So we sang the chorus from Atlanta to the sea, 
While we were marching through Georgia. 

How the darkeys shouted when they heard the joyful sound! 
How the turkeys gobbled which our commissary found ! 
How the sweet potatoes even started from the ground. 
While we were marching through Georgia. — Cho. 

Yes, and there were Union men who wept with joyful tears, 
When they saw the honor' d flag they had not seen for years ; 
Hardly could they be restrained from breaking forth in cheers. 
While we were marching through Georgia. — Cho. 

" Sherman's dashing Yankee boys will never reach the coast," 
So the saucy rebels said, and 'twas a handsome boast. 
Had they not forgot, alas ! to reckon with the host. 
While we were marching through Georgia. — Cho. 



35 

So we made a thoroughfare for freedom and her train. 
Sixty miles in latitude, three hundred to the main ; 
Treason fled before us, for resistance was in vain, 
While we were marching. through Georgia. — Ciio. 

The Confederacy — Scenes in the South. 
Tableaux, 
Tableau. — Pnnting House Square, N. V. — Bulletin in 
front of newspaper offices, — Telegram from the army 
7iear Richmond: '' I intend to fight it out on this Hne, 
if it takes all summer." — U. S. Grant. 

Sojtg, 

Dixey's Land. 

" by pete, a negro." 

Published by permission of Oliver Ditson &^ Co., Boston, A'lass, 
Away down South in de fields of cotton ^ 
Cinnamon seed and sandy bottom, 
Look away, look away. 
Look away, look away ; 
Den 'way down South in de fields ob cotton, 
Vinegar shoes and paper stockin's. 
Look away, look away. 
Look away, look away. 
Chorus. — Den I wish I was in Dixey's land, 
Oh-oh, oh-oh, 
In Dixey's land I'll take my stand, 
And live and die in Dixey's land, 

Away, away. 
Away down South in Dixey. 

Pork and cabbage in de pot. 

It goes in cold and comes out hot. 

Look away, look away, 

Look away, look away ; 
Vinegar put right on red beet. 
It makes dem always fit to eat, 

Look away, look away. 

Look away, look away. — Cho. 



36 

Old massa's mad, and I am glad, 
He's lost de one he thought he had; 

Look away, look away, 

Look away, look away ; 
If he comes back, which I know he'll do, 
Missus make him dance till he is blue, 

Look away, look away, 

Look away, look away. — Cho, 

A nigger up in a great big tree, 
Lookin' right strate dow^n at me, 

Look away, look away. 

Look away, look away; 
I up wid a stick and I hit him in de eye, 
And I made dat little monkey cry. 

Look away, look away. 

Look away, look away. — Cho. 

A nigger in a bushel measure. 

Was tickl'd to death by swallowin' a feather. 

Look away, look away, 

Look away, look away ; 
De doctor tried to fotch him to. 
But he found out it warn't no go, 

Look away, look away, 

Look away, look away. — Cho. 

Scene V. — Prison-pen at Andersonville. 

Song, 
Tramp ! Tramp ! Tramp ! 

Pei^mission purchased of S. Brainard^ s Sons^ Cleveland Ohio, 

In the prison cell I sit, thinking, mother dear, of you, 
And our bright and happy home so far away. 

And the tears they fill my eyes, spite of all that I can do, 
Tho' I try to cheer my comrades and be gay. 

Chorus.— Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys are marching, 
Cheer up, comrades, they will come. 
And beneath the starry flag, we shall breath the air again. 
Of the freeland in our own beloved home. 



37 

111 the battle front we stood, when their fiercest charge they made, 
And they swept us off a hundred men or more, 

But before they reached our lines, they were beaten back dismayed, 
And we heard the cry of victory o'er and o'er. — Cho. 

So within the prison cell, we are waiting for the day, 

That shall come to open wide the iron door. 
And the hollow eye grows bright, and the poor heart almost gay, 

As we think of seeing home and friends once more. — Cho. 

\Newsboys announce Lee's surrender^ a7id call for 
mass meeting. 

Scene VI. — Pittsburg. — Grand mass meeti?tg. — Rejoicing 
^ver Lee's siirrenden — Speech of Thomas M. Marshall. 

Fellow-Citizens: We come together to-night under 
bright and happy auspices. The black cloud of civil 
war, that for years has hung over this nation, is now 
rolling off, and in the clear firmament of the future, we 
shall soon behold again the complete number of our 
stars. With the surrender of Lee the last hope of the 
Confederacy is gone. The eyes of the world have been 
upon us throughout this conflict — some to encourage 
and sympathize ; many to give secret aid to the enemies 
of this government. Thank God, the principles of human 
liberty have triumphed ! And now, in this hour of glad- 
ness, let there be no roorfi in our hearts for revenge or 
bitterness. It becomes us now to ponder well the results 
of this war. The emancipation proclamation has given 
liberty to four millions of enslaved and ignorant human 
beings. A dangerous element has been added to our 
political life. May we prove great enough to meet the 
coming crises with temperance and prudence. Let us 
treat our Southern brethren with generosity and mag- 
nanimity. Nobly have they struggled in a mistaken and 



38 

ignominious cause. Let us not add to the bitterness of 
defeat, the cruel taunts of mahce and hate. They are 
true Americans, and will soon come to acknowledge the 
justice of their punishment. Let us strive to heal over 
the deep wounds by tenderness and forbearance. Let us 
be again one people. Let us remember that '^ to err is 
human, to forgive divine/' 

\_Cheers and confusion. Sits down. 
\A messenger arrives in haste, and pushing his way 
to the speaker, delivers a folded paper. 

Mi. Marshall [rising). Friends and citizens : I hold 
in my hand such a message as will stir your hearts 
to their profoundest depths of horror and sadness. 

Our rejoicing is turned into mourning. Our hero is 
fallen. The great and beloved Lincoln is slain by the 
hand of an assassin. A foul conspiracy has expended 
itself and left the nation desolate. I can say no more. 
Let us return to our homes in silence. 

Tableau. — President Grant's great speech. — U. S. Grant 
standing on plaJfo7'm of railway car, smoking and 
pointing to a banner hanging on car, on which is painted 
the following wo7'ds : " Let us have peace.'' 

Street Scenes. — Nezvsboys announce Andrew Johnsons 
impeachment. — Nomination of Horace Greeley , etc. etc. 

Scene VII. — Philadelphm Centennial Exposition. — The 
Genius of Liberty addressing the people. 
Liberty. Americans, and lovers of liberty, ye citizens 
of the world, lend me your kind attention. Here, before 
this august assemblage, I could wish myself possessed 
of the clarion tones of a Demosthenes, and the soul-stirring 



39 

eloquence of a Shakespeare, that I might reach the ears 
and hearts of all. Here, in this Congress of the nations 
many discordant elements commingle and fraternize ; here 
the Latin, and the Anglo-Saxon races greet each other. 
The pale Caucasian, the swarthy Malay, the sable Afri- 
can, the almond-eyed Mongolian, each have a place in 
this convention. Here, also, may be seen the broken 
remnants of that strange race of men, who are native to 
this soil — the Indians. Soon shall this splendid pageant 
pass, and these united millions separate. Ere we dis- 
perse, let us commune together. Why came we here ? 
Was it alone for gain or idle curiosity ? To feed an over- 
weening vanity ? These I know are strong within the 
human heart, but is there not a stronger undercurrent in 
all hearts, which at the supreme moment of trial would 
sweep away such petty aims ? Is there not a nobler and 
a happier meaning in all this pageantry? Does not the 
heart dwell with passionate tenderness, upon a sacred 
chought which pervades this mighty throng ? A thought 
which may be expressed by but one word, and that word 
— Liberty — Liberty ! Weigh well each golden factor. 
How sweet the sound to human ears. How dear to hu- 
man hearts the hopes of an eternal freedom. What 
thrilling and ennobling associations cluster around this 
Centennial Anniversary of American Independence. 

How the illustrious names of the struggling patriots 
rise before us. From a weak and despised condition, we 
have grown into a great and powerful nation ; our insti- 
tutions are respected and imitated ; our name is an honor ; 
our flag is a protection throughout the whole world. 
With such a past and present, what glorious possibilities 
may the future hold ! How grand may be our triumphs 
and achievements ! 



40 

Yet, at this time, let us not shut our eyes to our actual 
condition, nor endeavor to persuade ourselves into a 
fictitious enthusiasm. 

There is much to lament and reform in American 
politics. Corruption, under the various names of expe- 
diency, policy, necessity, stalks hydra-headed in the 
light of day. The people, forgetting their true dignity, 
suffer themselves to be led blindly by unscrupulous 
demagogues. Beware, O my beloved. Go not so near 
the brink of fate. Remember, that in a true Republic, 
each citizen is the leader of a host, and that host, him- 
self. Remember that '' knowledge is power," and neg- 
lect not to cherish the god-like hopes and aspirations 
which rise forever in the human souL Away with all 
these patent reforms. Trample under foot this hollow 
mockery and insincerity. Awake, O soul of Washing- 
ton ; instil anew thy spirit into these thy children. 
Teach them that the love of country must die in hearts 
that cherish not the love of honor, justice, and virtue. 
Teach them in adjusting these disputes of labor and 
capital, and the frequent conflicting opinions which 
arise in such a motley population, the sweet uses of 
patience, moderation, tolerance. Revive the generous 
fire of brotherhood, and unite again these kindred. North 
and South, and let the memory of their mutual suffer- 
ings make their reunion more tender and sincere. 

And Thou, O God, who art the Father of all our 
spirits, teach us knowledge and wisdom to conduct our 
lives in harmony with thy beautiful laws, and may the 
blessings of peace, hope, and liberty rest upon all the 
nations of the earth. Amen. [_Song, ''A Thousand 
Years.'^ 



11 



41 
Song of a Thousand Years. 

Permission PURCHASED of S. Brainard^s So7ts, Cleveland, Ohio. 

Lift up your eyes, desponding freemen ! 

Fling to the winds your needless fears ! 
He who unfurled your beauteous banner, 

Says it shall wave a thousand years ! 

Chorus. — " A thousand years !" my own Columbia ! 
'Tis the glad day so long foretold! 
'Tis the glad morn whose early twilight 
Washington saw in times of old. 

What if the clouds, one little moment, 
Hide the blue sky where morn appears — 

When the bright sun, that tints them crimson. 
Rises to shine a thousand years ? — Cho. 

Tell the great world these blessed tidings ! 

Yes, and be sure the bondsman hears ; 
Tell the oppressed of every nation. 

Jubilee lasts a thousand years ! — Cho. 

Envious foes, beyond the ocean ! 

Little we heed your threat' ning sneers : 
Little will they — our children's children — 

W^hen you are gone a thousand years. — Cho. 

Rebels at home ! go hide your faces — 
Weep for your crimes with bitter tears ; 

You could not bind the blessed daylight. 
Though you should strive a thousand years. — Ch^, 

Back to your dens, ye secret traitors ! 

Down to your own degraded spheres ! 
Ere the first blaze of dazzling sunshine 

Shortens your lives a thousand years. — Cho. 

Haste thee along, thou glorious noonday ! 

Oh, for the eyes of ancient seers ! 
Oh, for the faith of Him who reckons 

Each of his days a thousand years ! — Cho. 

Tableau. — The States. 



[The author desires to make acknowledgments of 
dates, facts, and suggestions, taken from the following 
works : Frost's, Bancroft's, and Headly's Histories ; Los- 
sing's Field Notes of the Revolution ; Greeley's Ameri- 
can Conflict; and several others known and unknown. 
To all of which, whether mentioned or not, this general 
allusion is made, and thanks extended to the authors 
and publishers.] 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




^^ Your Union ought to be considered as a 
main-prop of your Liberty." — WASHING- 
TON. 



''V/ith malice toAvard none, ^vith charity 
toward all."— LINCOLN. 

'' Let us have peace."~GRANT. 



